​Auckland's size and scale supports many economic, cultural, educational and recreational opportunities. These will increase as Auckland grows, but will only be realised if everyone can easily get to them when they need to.

Improving access depends on the entire transport system being managed and developed as an integrated whole, across the different networks (arterial roads, light and heavy rail, motorways, local streets, ferries) and different modes (private vehicle, public transport, walking and cycling).

The system must also cater for the different places where people live and work, from high density urban centres to local suburbs and rural areas.

Making it easier and more affordable for people to get to work, school or training is particularly important for increasing economic productivity and everyone's prosperity.

A transport system that offers reasonable commuting times to a wide range of jobs has multiple benefits:

it enhances the ability of employers to find suitable workers

it boosts job satisfaction and business productivity

it reduces the vulnerability of workers to long-term unemployment in the event of (unforeseen) employment change or job loss.

The efficient movement of goods and services is also essential to prosperity. The Ports of Auckland and Auckland Airport are New Zealand's main international gateways, so Auckland has a significant role in the distribution of freight within Auckland, to neighbouring regions as well as to the rest of New Zealand.

The vast bulk of freight and commercial travel in Auckland is by medium and small size vehicles distributing goods to retailers or to homes, and by service workers such as plumbers or electricians. Travel delays and uncertainty about trip times create real and substantial costs to businesses. This increases costs for everyone.

An integrated approach will improve our ability to ensure consistent service provision, an effective network and affordable travel choices.